Review: Prometheus

Synopsis: “Ridley Scott, director of “Alien” and “Blade Runner,” returns to the genre he helped define. With PROMETHEUS, he creates a groundbreaking mythology, in which a team of explorers discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a thrilling journey to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race.” (Collider)

Rated: R for sci-fi related violence, language, and intense images

Trailer:

Director Ridley Scott returns to the franchise that helped define the “sci-fi/horror” genre. After the 1979 blockbuster, Alien, Scott presents Prometheus: a “prequel” of sorts that bears an entertaining resemblance in both style and scariness. Whether or not this movie is truly a prequel to “Alien” has been a subject of debate, however, the ample amount of foreshadowing and relation to the Scott film, allows for it to be enjoyed by fans of the series and genre.

With a fantastic cast, including Charlize Theron, Idris Elba, Guy Pearce, Noomi Rapace, the stellar Michael Fassbender (Best character in the movie!!), and more, this story follows a group of scientists seeking understanding as to the origin of mankind. It begins right away with question-inspiring scenes full of amazing visuals and awesome “Scott-signature” cinematography. In Prometheus, as with most sci-fi thriller films, mankind’s never-ending curiosity of the origins of humanity often leads to answers and discoveries both desired and unwanted. But, Oh what answers Scott entertains us with!

Scott included much to love in Prometheus, however, some elements remain lacking. While the fun suspense, characters, horror, and gore (there were times I cringed from what was on the screen) fulfilled a level of expectation, the lack of development of certain other characters (Idris Elba) and subplots left a sense of disappoint. From watching the heart-pulsing trailers and the impressive viral campaign videos for Prometheus, the film carries and fulfills a promise of expected action and excitement. There remained an opportunity, however, for things to be explained better to audience members who, perhaps, may have missed the promotional materials as they served to strengthen the film and provide understanding about the significance of characters and events.

(The audience truly would have benefited from the inclusion/exposition of the promotional materials. Scott, undoubtedly, will have them in as part of the film in the Director’s Cut. Scenes like the vid below would have definitely served their purpose in telling the story to those unfamiliar.)

Prometheus begins with amazing promise, it then slows in momentum with a pace that, at times, bores, and builds up excitement in the details, plots, and direction towards the climatic final act. Much of the action occurs in the final act and then, very quickly, it ends with surprises, teases, and more unanswered/debated questions. In a very smart way, Ridley Scott presents a film that not only makes you blink, but also makes you think. Intermingling creation, science, religion, philosophy, and irony, Prometheus is uniquely engineered and delivers an experience and story that thrills and chills far after the credits roll.

As I said, visually striking and thought-provoking, an enjoyable journey in the mind and world of Ridley Scott’s Alien universe. So many “Prometheories” exist (I saw that term used by someone on Twitter…don’t remember who) when it comes to the meaning of different things, and I like that. Watch it for yourself, let me know what you think. But, you don’t have to take my word for it…

Check out what the First Fans from ReelzChannel (hosted by my friend Casey Messer for Hollywood Dailies). Thank you, @CaseyAtReelz

As I mentioned over at Flixchatter, I think it works very well in that large scale format and rate it higher than you, T. I plan on seeing it again this weekend. I favor the Cinema Blend’s Unraveling the Unanswered Questions piece concerning those unsettled aspects in the film. To tell the truth, I think there will be another director’s cut coming when the disc is released in the market. I just got that sense there are missing pieces in this RS work, or maybe I’m just intrigued by it all. Which means the filmmaker did his job . Well done review, my friend.

You know, you bring up a good point, I just felt that there was still too much missing. It very much lost my attention during the first half. I love Scott’s movies, I just wish he could get his point across a lot better a lot faster instead of seemingly making a different movie through extra footage in his director’s cuts.

Maybe it’s my fault for not knowing that this isn’t the only movie to come before “Alien”. I wanted to understand more, but perhaps more info will come in the next 2 (?) sequels. Then again, I shouldn’t have to have another source explain everything in a movie (imo). The movie should stand on it’s own. There’s a happy medium there I suppose. It’s fun, but Scott just left too much on the table. Thanks for the Cinema Blend link. I forgot about it. Now that I am done with my review I will have to check it out.

I’ll be sure to stop by your place too in my rounds. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts. I will be seeing it again and will let ya know if my thoughts changed. 🙂

I’m amazed by the marketing for this, that first poster spoils quite a lot. As for the movie, I enjoyed it a bit more than you did and I’m actually thinking about going to see it again. That doesn’t happen often 🙂

Loved the movie, I would give it 4 out of 5. I imagine the studio had something to say about it’s runtime. It’s nice to see a movie which makes you think smack dab in the middle of the summer blockbuster season. Plus it’s absolutely gorgeous! Makes me feel better about the Blade Runner project!

Yes, Scott should do well with the project, but I do hope he takes some of the criticism of Prometheus and the character development and makes sure that the final cut of the Blade Runner project for theaters is well-rounded.

I was a bit underwhelmed by the movie myself. Prometheus has some really interesting underlying themes and motif but Scott doesn’t do a very good job of developing them enough that they integrate with the premise of the story. At the same time, it feels like the story is undercooked because he isn’t showing enough. It’s a weird combination of showing/explaining too much and not enough and that kind of left me mildly disappointed.

I haven’t actually seen the original Alien films yet but I do intend to at some point but despite that I recently watched Prometheus and I have to say that I was disappointed. I thought that the film started with promise and whilst I did enjoy the visuals I thought the characters were left lacking too much; there wasn’t enough character development or motivation which made it very difficult for me to care about their fates.

[…] Prometheus- Ridley Scott’s prequel of sorts to the Alien series. With a highly talented cast, this movie prompted even more questions. It’s beautiful cinematography and special effects are not to be discounted. Check out this amazing scifi adventure and have more questions answered in the special features. Read my Review: HERE. […]